▷ How Long Is Hanukkah Celebrated?

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated for 8 nights from the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev to the 3rd day of the 10th month of Tevet. A Jewish holiday full of joy and commemoration, Hanukkah is one of the most popular holidays in the Jewish community around the world. It is not only a time for celebration but also a reminder of our community’s freedom and independence. With all the festivities going on, it’s worth knowing how long is Hanukkah celebrated for.

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1 What is the duration of Hanukkah?

What is the duration of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is traditionally celebrated for 8 nights, also known as the ‘eight days of Hanukkah’. It is said that this represents the 8 days in which a supply of consecrated oil lasted for all the Temple lamps following the Jewish people’s victory against the Syrian-Greeks. During the 8 days, special prayers and ceremonies are held and a series of special Hanukkah events take place.

The Menorah

The menorah is the traditional Hanukkah symbol, associated with the Festival of Lights. A special candle-lighting ceremony, known as Havdalah, is held each night of Hanukkah and the menorah is lit to celebrate the holiday. For the 8 days of the festival, 1 candle is lit each night. Also, a 9th candle, referred to as the ‘shamash’, is placed atop the menorah and lit on the first day of Hanukkah. The shamash has the purpose of lighting the other 8 candles.

The Dreidel

The much-loved dreidel – a spinning top with 4 sides is a traditional game played during the 8 days of the festival. Each side of the dreidel has a Hebrew letter, the acronym ‘Nes Gadol Hayah Sham’ (a great miracle happened there). As the dreidel spins, it could land on one of these 4 letters and depending on the outcome, players receive points or pay tokens to buy gifts. This game is usually played with chocolate coins or gelt.

Activities and Celebrations

During the 8 days of the festival, it’s common to witness a variety of special events and activities geared towards different ages. In the days leading up to, and throughout Hanukkah, there are often special markets, parties, parades, gatherings and cultural activities that take place. Many families also take the time to give gifts to one another on each of the 8 days, as a token of appreciation.

No matter how long Hanukkah is actually celebrated for, it’s a time well worth celebrating. From lighting the menorah each night, to playing the traditional dreidel game and giving gifts, the Festival of Lights is a joyous occasion for the entire Jewish community. Hanukkah is an opportunity to both reflect on and come together in both joyous and meaningful celebration.

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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.